Originally Posted by
gauvins
1. I would draw your attention to the
bear canister, though -- it is
mandated in several national parks. See
here to find out what REI has to say about this. Even if you were to avoid National Parks, you might want to ask yourself why the NPS requires bear-proof canister rather than merely throwing a bag over a branch (bears are good climbers).
In my experience bears are far more likely to be a problem in the parks than elsewhere. In the parks I have toured through that have serious bear problems you are typically required to stay in campgrounds that usually have bear boxes. I never been anywhere that the places I camped on bike tours required a canister in the campgrounds.
I have met scores (hundreds?) of bike tourists on the road and can recall precisely one who was carrying a bear canister.
That said, if you must take a canister, the BV450 at 2lb 1oz, $70, and 7.2 liters is a nice size for bike touring. I love mine for backpacking, but only use it where required.